What are the International Protocols on Child Soldiers?

The International Protocols on Child Soldiers refers to two international treaties – the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC) and the Paris Principles – that provide protection for children under the age of 18 who may be in danger of becoming military recruits. According to the OPAC, countries are prohibited from allowing any person under the age of 18 to participate in active military service or training. The Paris Principles prohibit the recruitment or use of anyone under the age of 15 by anyone or any organization, including state armed forces or non-state armed groups. The OPAC requires signatories to work towards the prevention of children’s involvement in armed conflict, including measures to impose punitive sanctions for any violations. It also requires signatories to take “all feasible measures” to ensure that members of their armed forces who have not attained the age of 18 are not exposed to any form of armed conflict. The Paris Principles set forth similar requirements, including the establishment of a system to monitor, verify and report any suspects of child soldier recruitment. These international protocols provide a framework for countries to protect children threatened by recruitment or involvement in armed conflict. They create a framework for the signatory states to enforce laws, monitor recruitment, and ensure that children are not placed in harm’s way in military service. Therefore, the International Protocols on Child Soldiers are critical to ensuring that children’s rights to safety and security are respected.

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What are the International Protocols on Child Soldiers?

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